The Two-Page Stretch

As my love of photography has grown so has my collection of photographs needing to be scrapped. I sometimes find myself faced with a large number of photographs from a single event. While a one-page layout may work nicely, I often find two pages can communicate the message more effectively, save time and save space.

Here are some points to consider when designing a two-page layout:

• Be consistent with your elements. To make two pages flow well, consider keeping the elements consistent from one page to the facing page. Repeating fonts, patterned papers, embellishments and colors create flow and consistency within the two pages.
  
  
• Provide contrast. Even when working with two pages, there should be some contrast. For example, a large photograph on one page can provide focus and contrast for a two-page layout. The remainder of the photographs can be balanced through the rest of the layout. In "Yosemite Valley," I used a large photograph on the left side then balanced the right side with a collage of photographs.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Use a visual triangle that spans both pages. When you place any elements (photographs, embellishments, journaling blocks, title, etc.) in a triangle, your eye is drawn to moving from one to the other. Use this triangle to your advantage in a two-page layout by spreading the triangle across both pages.
  
  
• Use the middle of a two-page layout to bring the two pages together. By placing a photograph, title or other element in the middle section, the two pages are instantly connected. Using the middle section of a layout can eliminate the "gutter" and provide flow between the two pages. In "Exploring Lava Bed," I included a photograph in the middle of the layout to join the two pages.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Use a symmetrical design to create unity and balance. A symmetrical design breaks the layout into two similar halves. Each half will correspond to one another in relation to size, shape, and position of the parts. A symmetrical design creates the same weight on both sides. Consider one page to be one half of the symmetrical design and the second page to be the other half. The result is a formal, organized and orderly design.
  
  
• Keep it simple. While trying to unify two pages, it is important to keep the pages from appearing too busy. Remember to balance the material and the white space. White space will help create balance, flow and uniformity.

Next time you are faced with a pile of photographs, have lots of journaling or find yourself wanting to work in a larger space, consider these tips for designing two-page layouts.